The life and times of Lance Buchanan and Kyle Bandermann -- sailor and shipmate, adventurers, and world changers.

05 May 2014

Some Things Warrant a Composed Response

(Kyle)Lance and I are humbled and encouraged by the outpouring of love and support this past weekend. Thank you to everyone who took part, however directly or indirectly. We appreciate having you in our lives!
I can't, however, hastily conclude that we've "arrived" at a time where hatred is just a fringe stance. One look at the comments on the photo that went viral on AMPA, the organization with which Lance volunteers, shows that we still have a long way to go. While I wasn't ignorant that there would be some push-back from a select few, it's difficult to continue to read vehement opinions about your relationship, especially from those who profess to be of the same faith, creed, and national allegiance.
While it's easy to say we should "ignore the haters," I can't help but feel these are the type of stances with which many people, even those very close to us, continue to associate. While it would be very short-sighted for us to take these comments personally, we do take them to heart as a call to reconcile faith, even with all its misguidedness, with the lives of God-fearing, country-serving, loving people such as ourselves. Still, those beliefs don't cause us to question the validity of our own faith, our relationship, our impending marriage, or our love for one second. So, to those who support us fully--thank you. We love you and, pray for your continued blessings, and hope truth continues to reveal itself to you. To those who do not--the exact same goes for you.

18 comments:

This post is lovely. You're setting a better example for your faith than others do. Thanks a lot for making my morning! I can't figure out which was more pleasing to see - such a positive post or such obviously happy engagement photos! =) God bless!

I, too- saw the story on my buzzfeed... and found it to be the sweetest story that I have read in a while.You have accomplished what many of us in the world are looking for, finding that ONE person to hold on to.. The one person that loves us back unconditionally...As I read the story of the proposal - I wept sweet little tears. Congratulations by on you both...I send love and best wishes from Nashville, TN. MWAH!-John

You guys have never met me and we'll probably never meet, which is unfortunate because you two look like a lot of fun. I wanted to say you two are so stinkin cute together and look like a couple that will endure the test of time and I hope you do. Thank you for your service to our beautiful country...you too, Lance. You serve just as much as Kyle does, but I'm sure you know that already. Congratulations, best wishes and God bless.

I was at JU and ran into Kyle a few times even though I was an upperclassman and never had his class. He was an awesome guy regardless of everything that happened there. What happened there was complete bullshit, and I'm glad he's finding happiness. It's not my place to judge, and so I don't. Congratulations on your happiness, thank you for your service, and God bless you.

Kyle and Lance, May God continue to bless your lives. I do what I can, raising a child to understand that love is love no matter what. I strive to change my little piece of the world in small ways. May your lives be filled with people who do the same, and who accept you for exactly who you are. I wish you safe travels to Guam, and a wonderful experience there. May your love continue to deepen and bloom.

First off, congratulations! Your story is heartwarming and speaks to true love and faith. The last line of this blog post shows the inner workings of your heart toward others - and that is just as beautiful. May you be blessed with love, joy and peace for all your days together.

I'm with Out and About Nashville newspaper, and I know you guys are getting a lot of requests. I'd be interested in speaking/emailing with you for an article specifically about the responses you've gotten, positive but particularly negative. If you'd be open to that I'd love to hear more.jgrady@outandaboutnashville.com

I saw the story on Buzzfeed, too, and the gorgeous photos and story brought tears to my eyes.

You two are a NATURAL fit for one another, and as a couple, you're adorable as all get-out. I wish you many years of happiness together -- the wedding is going to be the start of the biggest adventure of your life. Enjoy it!

(And always remember, the haters are becoming fewer and far between with every day that passes. Love and tolerance will win out. Stay strong, enjoy each other and don't let other people's opinions bring you down! There's a whole community out here rooting for you!)

First of all, of course, congratulations on your pending nuptials! It's so obvious from your words and your pics how very much in love you both are! You deserve every good thing in life...starting with an everlasting love. Second, you know the "haters" have always been out there, and they always will be, but the fear & hatred they represent & live in speak more of the darkness they seem to choose to live in. And they think WE choose to live a "perverted lifestyle". I think you already know the secret to living in this kind of world, don't you? Just LIVE...live who you truly are; love with all your heart; and never allow fear to stop you from growing into the people your God made you both to be. Undoubtedly, we have to live sometimes in the darkness, but the darkness always passes and--for those who hang on and hang tough--the light always brings us a new day full of hope and--if we're very blessed--full of love. I pray that new day EVERY SINGLE DAY for the Buchandermanns! May you both share many, many of them! :-)

Hi Guys! I saw your story on Buzzfeed via Stonewall UK. Huge congratulations to you both and may you share many years of love and happiness. A beautiful story which truly uplifted me. Much love to you both. Sue x

About Us

Lance is a photographer, world-class barista, student, and supportive Navy wife. He is originally from Western North Carolina and enjoys all things Asian, traveling, and making people's days.
Kyle is a world-class coffee consumer, Clinical Psychologist, and US Navy Lieutenant with the Medical Service Corps. He is originally from Missouri and enjoys traveling, technology, and the unconditional support he receives from Lance.